Rohit Sharma, the charismatic Indian cricket captain, has been a household name in world cricket for over a decade. Known for his elegant strokeplay, impeccable timing, and ability to dominate bowling attacks, the “Hitman” has carved out a legacy as one of India’s finest batters. However, the past year has been a challenging one for the 38-year-old, with questions surrounding his form, fitness, and future in the game. Despite retiring from Test cricket and T20 Internationals (T20Is) in the last 12 months, Rohit has made it clear that he is far from done with One Day Internationals (ODIs). With his sights set on the 2027 ODI World Cup, Rohit has partnered with his longtime Mumbai teammate and trusted coach, Abhishek Nayar, to make a strong comeback in the upcoming Australia ODI series in October 2025. This article delves into Rohit’s journey, his training regime with Nayar, and the significance of his return to the ODI format, drawing on insights from recent developments in Indian cricket.
A Career at a Crossroads
Rohit Sharma’s cricketing journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. With over 10,000 ODI runs, three double centuries, and a reputation for leading India to ICC glory, including the T20 World Cup 2024, Rohit has solidified his place among the game’s greats. However, the 2024-25 season was a tough one for the Indian skipper. His Test career ended on a disappointing note after a string of poor performances, including a paltry 31 runs at an average of 6.20 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. This, coupled with India’s 0-3 home whitewash against New Zealand, led to intense scrutiny of his batting and leadership.
Speculation about Rohit’s retirement from all formats intensified, but the Indian captain silenced his critics by reaffirming his commitment to ODIs. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting suggested that the heartbreak of India’s loss to Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup final might be a driving force behind Rohit’s decision to continue. “I think probably the fact that they lost the last one and he was captain, that might be the thing that’s playing on the back of his mind,” Ponting noted, highlighting Rohit’s ambition to win the 2027 ODI World Cup.
With 27 ODIs scheduled before the 2027 World Cup, Rohit faces the challenge of proving his mettle as both a batter and a leader. His immediate focus is the upcoming Australia ODI series in October 2025, a crucial stepping stone in his journey. To prepare, Rohit has turned to Abhishek Nayar, a coach renowned for revitalizing the careers of several Indian cricketers.
The Nayar Connection: A Bond Beyond the Field
Rohit Sharma and Abhishek Nayar share a deep connection that dates back to their days playing together for Mumbai in domestic cricket. Nayar, a former all-rounder who played three ODIs for India, has transitioned into one of the most respected coaches in Indian cricket. His ability to connect with players on a personal level and tailor training programs to their needs has earned him praise from the likes of Dinesh Karthik, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer.
Nayar’s coaching stint with the Indian team, however, was cut short after just eight months. Appointed as an assistant coach in 2024, Nayar was sacked by the BCCI following India’s poor Test performances in Australia and New Zealand. Reports suggest that Rohit was not consulted before Nayar’s dismissal, a decision that sparked controversy within the Indian cricket fraternity. Despite this, Rohit’s faith in Nayar remained unshaken. After scoring a match-winning 76 against Chennai Super Kings in the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Rohit publicly thanked Nayar on Instagram, crediting him for his resurgence.
Now, back in Mumbai, Rohit has sought Nayar’s expertise to prepare for the Australia ODIs. A widely circulated image of Rohit training in the gym with Nayar, shared by cricket enthusiast Mufaddal Vohra on August 12, 2025, captured the attention of fans. The image underscored Rohit’s determination to return to peak physical and mental form. Nayar’s coaching philosophy, which emphasizes individualized attention and technical refinement, aligns perfectly with Rohit’s needs as he navigates the twilight of his career.
Training with Purpose: Rohit’s Fitness Regime
Rohit’s preparation for the Australia ODIs is centered on achieving match fitness and sharpening his batting skills. At 38, maintaining physical fitness is critical, especially after a two-month hiatus following the IPL 2025 season, which concluded in early June. During his break, Rohit attended the India vs. England 5th Test at The Oval, a trip that allowed him to unwind but also highlighted the need to return to rigorous training.
Under Nayar’s guidance, Rohit’s training regime is multifaceted, focusing on strength, agility, and endurance. Nayar is known for his hands-on approach, often spending hours with players to fine-tune their techniques and mental approach. For Rohit, this means addressing technical flaws that plagued his Test performances, such as his vulnerability to incoming deliveries, which often led to dismissals via LBW or bowled.
Nayar’s sessions with Rohit include intense gym workouts to improve core strength and flexibility, crucial for a top-order batter facing pace-heavy attacks like Australia’s. Additionally, net sessions focus on simulating match scenarios, particularly against fast bowlers, to prepare Rohit for the likes of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. Nayar’s experience with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where he helped players like Shreyas Iyer regain form, has equipped him with the tools to tailor Rohit’s training to the demands of ODI cricket.
The Road to Australia: What’s at Stake?
The Australia ODI series in October 2025 is more than just another bilateral series for Rohit Sharma. It represents an opportunity to reassert his dominance in the 50-over format and silence doubters questioning his age and form. With India scheduled to play 27 ODIs before the 2027 World Cup, every match is a chance for Rohit to build momentum and cement his place as an opener alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal or Shubman Gill.
The series also carries emotional weight. Australia, the team that defeated India in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, remains a formidable opponent. Ponting’s observation that the 2023 loss continues to motivate Rohit underscores the personal significance of this series. A strong performance could set the tone for India’s preparations for the Asia Cup 2025 and the Champions Trophy, where Rohit’s leadership and batting will be under scrutiny.
Moreover, the series is a chance for Rohit to address concerns about his captaincy. His tactical decisions during the 2024-25 Test season, such as underutilizing bowlers like Nitish Kumar Reddy and Ravichandran Ashwin, drew criticism. In ODIs, Rohit’s proactive leadership style, which led India to the T20 World Cup title in 2024, will need to shine through. The Australia series will test his ability to manage a young squad while maintaining his own performance at the top of the order.
Challenges Ahead: Form, Fitness, and Competition
While Rohit’s determination is undeniable, several challenges loom large. His batting form in 2024 was inconsistent, with 597 runs in 23 Test innings, 341 of which came in just four innings. This boom-or-bust pattern raises concerns about his reliability in high-pressure situations. In ODIs, where consistency is key, Rohit will need to rediscover the fluency that made him a three-time double-centurion.
Fitness is another hurdle. At 38, Rohit’s reflexes and recovery times are not what they once were. His training with Nayar aims to mitigate these concerns, but the physical demands of facing Australia’s pace attack in their home conditions will be immense. Additionally, the mental toll of leading a team under pressure cannot be understated, especially after the controversies surrounding Nayar’s sacking and reports of dressing room leaks during the Australia Test tour.
Competition for the opening slot adds another layer of complexity. With Yashasvi Jaiswal emerging as a formidable opener and Shubman Gill establishing himself as a reliable batter, Rohit faces pressure to perform. The selectors’ reluctance to fast-track T20I star Abhishek Sharma into ODIs suggests they are banking on experienced players like Rohit and Jaiswal for the 2027 World Cup, but Rohit must deliver to justify their faith.
Nayar’s Role: Beyond Coaching
Abhishek Nayar’s influence on Rohit extends beyond technical coaching. His ability to inspire confidence and foster a positive mindset has been instrumental in the resurgence of players like KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer. For Rohit, Nayar’s presence is a source of stability, especially after the turmoil of the Test season. Nayar’s decision to join UP Warriorz in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and continue with KKR in IPL 2025 indicates his growing stature as a coach, but his work with Rohit remains a personal mission.
Nayar’s sacking from the Indian team raised questions about the BCCI’s decision-making, with reports suggesting a rift within the team management and concerns about his close ties with the media. However, Rohit’s public endorsement of Nayar and their continued collaboration signal that their partnership is stronger than ever. This bond could be the key to unlocking Rohit’s potential in the ODI format.
The Bigger Picture: Rohit’s Legacy and India’s Future
Rohit Sharma’s journey is not just about personal redemption; it’s about shaping the future of Indian cricket. As one of the last active members of India’s golden generation, alongside Virat Kohli, Rohit carries the responsibility of mentoring young talents like Jaiswal, Gill, and Rishabh Pant. His leadership in the Australia ODIs will set the tone for India’s transition into a new era, especially with Kohli also nearing the end of his career.
The 2027 ODI World Cup looms as the ultimate goal, and Rohit’s performance in the coming years will determine whether he can lead India to another ICC title. His 77-run knock in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in March 2025, which earned him the Player of the Match award, is a reminder of his clutch performance ability. With Nayar’s guidance, Rohit is poised to channel that form into the Australia series and beyond.
Looking Ahead
Rohit Sharma’s decision to continue playing ODIs, despite retiring from Tests and T20Is, reflects his unrelenting passion for the game and his desire to leave a lasting legacy. His partnership with Abhishek Nayar, a coach who has revitalized the careers of many Indian cricketers, is a testament to his commitment to excellence. As he trains rigorously in Mumbai, eyeing the Australia ODIs in October 2025, Rohit is not just preparing for a series but embarking on a mission to prove that the Hitman still has plenty of runs left in him. With 27 ODIs to go before the 2027 World Cup, the cricketing world watches eagerly to see if Rohit can reclaim his throne as India’s ODI kingpin.
